Three new walkways proposed for Stephens Lake Park

Three walkways are proposed to improve access into and through the park. Work on the 6-foot-wide concrete walkways, all of which would be accessible for wheelchair users, was expected to begin later this summer or in the fall with approval of the Columbia City Council.

The city Parks and Recreation Commission voted Thursday night to send the $25,317 project to the City Council.

The longest of the proposed walkways would connect the perimeter trail at the park with the lake trail. This walkway would provide better access to Gordon Shelter from the Broadway entrance and will also be a way to move through the park from Broadway to the neighborhoods north of the park.

This walkway has been part of the master plan for the park, Mike Griggs, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, said.

Another sidewalk into the west parking lot will make it easier for wheelchair users to enter the park rather than using the vehicle entrance, Griggs said. This path will make it easier for people parking in the Boone Hospital Center lot to access the park during special events.

A third walkway will connect the longer proposed walkway to Gordon Shelter.

A map of the proposed walkways can be viewed in the agenda for Thursday evening's Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.